Fabregas: Arsenal at crossroads

Captain Cesc Fabregas believes Arsenal need to make a decision on whether they want to be a club that looks to develop young players or one that wins trophies.

The Gunners have built a well-earned reputation as a hugely attractive passing side packed with up-and-coming talent, but once again it appears as though Arsene Wenger's side will not be able to translate that into silverware this season as they sit six points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United.

And Fabregas told Spanish magazine Don Balon: "From 2007 I had already started saying "we're not winning, but we're playing well". And then you realise that's no use."

He added: "You enjoy yourself, during a phase of the championship - like this year, for example, when we were still in four different competitions. And you say to yourself 'here I have everything!' But then that final point is missing and it's then when you have to make a decision: either go out and win or develop players."

Fabregas was also asked why Wenger was not under more pressure following Arsenal's lack of trophies with their last triumph being the 2005 FA Cup.

"It's different here," the Spain midfielder added. "The coach is an intelligent person and the club value other things - that the team is always in the Champions League, that they fight until the end, bring through young players, economic stability.

"I guess that for the board that is important. Although I imagine there will be a moment when you have to take the plunge...either you win or you don't win."

Fabregas also believes his side are lacking a few important ingredients to challenge the domination that Manchester United and Chelsea have enjoyed over them recent seasons.

"It's difficult. For me it's more a lack of a winning mentality, also of maturity in key moments," he said. "We have plenty of quality but lack this bit of confidence. The problem is that the team needs to win something. That's why it was so important to win the Carling Cup," he added.

"We needed this cup to be able to believe in ourselves as a team. (Robin) Van Persie has won an FA Cup as I have, but there's no more. Nobody in the team has won anything. We are missing that ability to say: 'now I know what it is to win and I know what it takes to win'."